On Wednesday, April 6, Professor Steven Livingston hosted a group of scientists and technologists at the School of Media and Public Affairs to discuss a cutting-edge technology: airborne hyper spectral sensors.
Livingston, whose research focuses on transnational advocacy, and his colleagues were interested in how the technology can assist non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in detecting mass grave sites.
“I’ve focused on various sensors on a variety of platforms for several years,” said Livingston. “Often, they have been satellite-based sensors that allow NGOs to “see” into places that are otherwise too far away or too dangerous for direct access.”
The types of sensors discussed during Wednesday’s meeting were able gather important information because they are attached to drones or aircrafts equipped to support them. Understanding and developing tools such as the airborne hyper spectral sensors can be critical in helping institutions like NGOs and law enforcement ensure accuracy in the reporting of human rights violations and crimes. The technology can also be used to evaluate minerals, natural resources, and agriculture as well as environmental monitoring during search and rescue missions.
Livingston chose SMPA to host the meeting because much of political communication literature explores the role of NGOs in transnational advocacy work. The scientists and technologists who attended the meeting represented a range of organizations including Amnesty International, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa and McGill University.